Critical Incidents With Mentor Principals: Leader Identity Formation in Residency

• In Event: Roundtable Session 56
  In Roundtable Session: Lessons Learned: Leadership Program Standards, Accreditation, and Equity Audit

Abstract

This paper discusses the critical incidents that occur between principals-in-training and their mentor principals during the years of residency. Using a case study method we review 29 resident principals’ reflections, triangulated with their mentors and coaches to examine how these critical incidents contributed to leader identity development. We find strong evidence for the helical trajectory that includes the potential for virtuous cycles of positive leader identity development as suggested by the literature. We conclude with suggestions to those in leader preparation programs about how to intervene so potentially negative critical incidents do not spiral into vicious cycles of negative leader identity development.

Authors

• David Mayrowetz, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Anne Hutchinson, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Michelle McKenna Shabaker, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Shelby A. Cosner, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Lisa Walker, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Samuel Paul Whalen, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Martha Hebert, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Jason Swanson, University of Illinois at Chicago